WLVT PBS39 does community programs with both Broughal Middle School and Donegan Elementary School students.

Now, the South Side Bethlehem-based television station has developed an event for their younger brothers and sisters.

The station next month is starting its first preschool story hour. The free event runs eight Monday mornings in June, July and August.

"When you think of PBS, it's 'Sesame Street'. There's a lot of focus on preschool," said Alyissa Gallagher, the station's education and outreach coordinator. "Story hour just seemed like a natural progression."

The story hours are especially intended for South Side residents, but children from other areas of the Lehigh Valley also are welcome, Gallagher said. Participants should be between 2 to 5 years old and the sessions run 10 to 10:45 a.m. June 2, 16, 30, July 7 and 21 and Aug. 4, 18 and 25 at the station at 830 E. First St. in Bethlehem.

A sales team employee brought the idea to the station's education team and it was quickly approved, Gallagher said.

"I have three young kids and I just know how they love to go to story hour at the library," she said.

Four of the story hours will have a STEM, or science, technology, engineering and mathematics focus. The fields are hot education topics and important growth industries, PBS39 said.

The story hours also will include viewings of PBS children's programs, including "Sesame Street," "Curious George" and "Martha Speaks," and visits from PBS39's mascot Telebear.

Participants will receive a free PBS39 sweatshirt and also a free copy of the book read each week.

PBS39 hopes to run more preschool story hour sessions if it gets the continued support of UGI Utilities Inc., the program's sponsor, Gallagher said.

"Partnering with PBS39 for story hour is another way we are able to show our commitment to engaging with the community we serve," Tracey Ciesnolevicz, UGI's community relations program manager, says in a statement.